Estonian band Haldi & ans Flamingo releases debut EP ‘Õige Aeg’
Haldi & ans Flamingo give new wings to the groove of Estonia’s yesteryears. While in her early twenties, the lead singer, composer and co-producer Haldi studied the bygone era’s music and history in depth. She’s especially interested in the Estonian language and heritage and how it mixed with soul, jazz, funk and disco influences that made their way into the estrada music of the 1970-1980s. As a scholar of pioneers Marju Kuut, Velly Joonas, Heidy Tamme and Els Himma, Haldi believes the stylistic approach deserves a second chance in the free world, where a woman can sing about intimacy and love all she wants. So she’s done just that with the co-writer, bass player and producer Mattias Tirmaste. They are joined by an ensemble of Flamingos complete with backing vocals, percussion and a horn section.
Õige Aeg (that can be translated as “The Right Time”) is the group’s début EP on Funk Embassy Records. The lengthy 6-tracker will be released digitally alongside audiophile friendly 180g vinyl, pressed in Estonia. Haldi & ans Flamingo recorded the music in old fashioned way under the supervision of Sten-Olle Moldau in Susi Studio and Sindi Seltsimaja. Those with an ear for beautiful vocal and pipe arrangements are in for a treat. There’s something special in the way Haldi loves to layer her vocals and play around with the exotic Estonian language. Singles “Meile Kahele” (“For the Two Of Us”) and “Muusika” have garnered airplay around the world, most notably via Radioeins, FIP and X-Ray fm. With uptempo discotheque material as well as songs for the bedroom, Õige Aeg will be a worthy extension of Estonia’s musical legacy into the modern times.
‘Õige Aeg’ out digitally on Aug. 10th / vinyl on Sep.10th via Funk Embassy
